Overcoming nationalists' lack of understanding of Protestant culture has led to a new way of expressing identity, writes Patti Holly

It is a strange irony that a festival to showcase Protestant cultural heritage has been taking place all week in the predominantly nationalist city of Derry.

Even stranger, given the contentious nature of parades in Northern Ireland, the festival, now in its sixth year, has been going from strength to strength and the organisers are quietly optimistic that, sooner rather than later, the Maiden City Festival could be to Derry what Mardi Gras is to New Orleans.

Tomorrow, upwards of 10,000 Apprentice Boys representing 225 branch clubs from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland and Canada and at least the same number again of relatives and friends are expected to converge on Derry for the festival highlight, the Relief of Derry Celebrations to mark the 314th anniversary of the ending of the Siege of Derry.

The catalyst for the Maiden City Festival was the series of talks over the Apprentice Boys' disputed traditional parade route around the Walls of Derry. When the Walls were reopened following the ceasefires, there was an expectation by some Apprentice Boys that they should be able to walk their traditional route around the Walls - just as their forefathers did following the breaking of the boom across the River Foyle to end the 105-day Siege of Derry back in 1689.

Others, like Billy Moore, secretary general of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, adopted a more pragmatic approach. Recognising that things moved on from the ending of the Siege of Derry more than 300 years ago, they looked for a compromise as the traditional route overlooked the nationalist Bogside and local residents were opposed to the parade.

John Hume is credited with chairing the first of a series of face-to-face talks between the Apprentice Boys and local residents.

During these talks, Billy Moore says he realised nationalists' reluctance to accept the parades was, at least in part, down to a lack of understanding of the Protestant culture.

"We aim to showcase Protestant culture without causing offence to the majority of people living in the city. The varied programme shows diversity and creativity from within the Protestant community in new and challenging ways."

He adds that while he is not naïve enough to think that what is happening in Derry can be successfully replicated elsewhere in Northern Ireland, he is confident that, in time, it will help promote greater tolerance and an appreciation of rich cultural diversity inherent in Ulster society.

Most of the history and culture associated with the Apprentice Boys of Derry is on the city site or west bank of the River Foyle but few Protestants live there.

As Billy Moore sees it, during the "Troubles" many Protestants felt intimidated and simply opted out of life on the city side where they felt increasingly alienated.

"Protestant culture had been overlooked but this is partly the fault of the Protestants themselves. Inevitably the key venues for the festival had to be on the city side and we needed to have an interesting programme of events to entice them (Protestants) over to the city side and give nationalists a better understanding of the Protestant culture."

David Hoey, media/marketing director of the Maiden City Festival, acknowledges that the Apprentice Boys have suffered from a "perception problem".

"We see ourselves as friendly, open and tolerant but that is not necessarily as others see us. The festival looks at new ways to express our cultural identity."

While he admits the juxtaposition of some elements of the festival such as the Goodtime Gals Bluegrass Music, Hymns of Inspiration, Baha'i traditional songs and chants and a Chinese Lion Dance might jar with people, they are all part of the varied and inclusive festival programme to explore and interpret the rich cultural tapestry in the city.

"Being Protestant was never about conforming so let's understand, respect and celebrate the difference and look at different ways of doing so."

Festival funding has come from a variety of sources including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Londonderry Development Office, Derry City Council, Ulster Scots Agency and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

However with the event having the potential for a major spin-off for the local economy, the organisers may seek a major commercial sponsor for future festivals, says David Hoey.

Local businessman Brendan Duddy, who helped broker deal between the Apprentice Boys and local residents, said: "The Apprentice Boys are sensible people who have adopted a sensible approach to talk and to listen to others. We have still some way to go but we're getting there."